Barlow is best remembered for his batting partnership with A N Hornby, which was immortalised in nostalgic poetry by Francis Thompson.

He was also an umpire and a football referee, including at the record 26–0 score between Preston North End and Hyde in the FA Cup.

According to a (possibly apocryphal) story related by Alan Gibson, Barlow was working as a railway porter when Hornby first encountered him.

"[3] Barlow is immortalised in one of the best-known pieces of cricket poetry, called "At Lord's" by Francis Thompson.

The first verse of the poem, which is repeated as the final verse, is the best known: It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk, Though my own red roses there may blow; It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk, Though the red roses crest the caps, I know.

He made no big score in these matches, but his partnership with Allan Steel was the turning point of the game at Lord's in 1884, and at Manchester, in 1886, his steadiness pulled England through when the Australian bowlers were in deadly form on a slightly crumbled wicket.

It is on record that when the North started their second innings on a slow and nasty wicket, Fred Spofforth, Australia's Demon bowler said, "Give me the ball: they won't get more than 60".

On the first of those tours, after scoring 75 at Sydney against New South Wales, a local wag presented Barlow with a commemorative belt.